In the world we live in today, people will have you to believe that you are crazy for telling yourself no. This sinful world would have you and I to think that regardless of what it is, we “deserve” to be happy. Satan uses the things of this world and your desires to manipulate and entice you into desiring anything and everything that is not Jesus. It can be something as simple as watching a movie. But with watching a movie, is it drawing your mind away from godly things? Is it taking you away from reading God’s word? We must be careful not to give Satan a foothold to use anything to deceive us. In 2 Corinthians 11:14 it says, “…for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” When you accept Christ into your life, you no longer live. This act is a daily act of dying or surrendering of your desires.
I want to encourage you today that you are not alone. It is a struggle to deny your fleshly desires regardless if they are good or bad. Paul reminds us in Romans 7:18, “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” Paul was transparent about this spiritual warfare. We can learn how he was victorious while being encouraged that it is possible to hide our will in Christ’s will.
In order for us to carry this task out, we must go to God’s word. First, we must be honest with Jesus and our heart’s desires. For us to hide our will in Christ’s will, we must submit our will to Christ. In Psalms 44:21, the author asked, “Would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?” God knows your heart. God knows what is in my heart. When you are honest with what is in your heart, you can submit your will to His will.
The next step is for us to daily obey God’s word. This will take discipline! We have to be serious about getting victory in every area of our lives. We cannot forget that Satan does not want us to be victorious. He wants us to be envious of others. Satan does not want you and I to trust God and His promises. He desires for us to be depressed about our desires not being fulfilled. The perfect example of obedience is found in Christ himself. He was obedient until death. In John 4:34 Jesus said to his disciples, “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” You and I must remain focused on God’s perfect will and plan that He has for our lives.
Lastly, in order for us to “Hide My Will in Your Will”, you and I must be faithful in our walk with Christ. Regardless of the desire that you and I may have, Jesus does not want anything to come between us and Him. Jesus is our first love! Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Regardless of how you and I feel today, God is faithful. No matter what we see with our natural eyes, God is faithful. Our past and the mistakes we have made does not matter because God is faithful. In order for you and I to be victorious, we must lean and depend on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance. I encourage you today to thank Jesus in advance for helping you to stand perfect and complete in the center of His will.
“Hide My Will in Your Will” Prayer: Lord, I thank you that you know me. You know every desire that I have. Jesus, I admit that some of my desires are not Christ like but they are selfish. Lord, I surrender every good or selfish desire to you. I know that I can trust you with each and every one of them. Jesus, I pray that you will give me your peace that passes all understanding. Give me the peace and strength to accept your will in my life. Lord, I know the enemy wants to torment me with these desires. He wants me to be envious and jealous of others. He wants me to be depressed and not trust you. According to your word, I call Satan out and I bind his hold that he wants to have over me and these desires. Satan is a liar and I will not agree with him. Lord Jesus, I can trust you with every single one of my desires. I can trust you with my heart. I surrender each desire into your capable hands. I thank you Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.